Sir, why is this training so important right now?
Quite simply, it saves lives, and we really need to save as many people as possible. Also, we can use the skills learned here to protect other soldiers in combat. After all, each designated marksman is assigned to a section and provides protection for that section in combat. This way, we create an additional safety zone for our soldiers. And of course, we also help our civilian population by quickly and effectively repelling Russian attacks.
What are the training conditions like for you and your fellow soldiers?
The German soldiers provide us with everything we need here on site. Our training is conducted by the Lithuanian and Slovenian soldiers. In other words, the conditions are ideal. During DMR training, we learn quite a lot, and the training is really intensive as well. Later, we will apply these lessons in Ukraine and use them to defend our fellow countrymen and women. At the same time, we can unwind a little bit while we are here in Germany.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing you have learned here?
We have trained again and again to fire quickly and accurately by day and night, even under stress. And you have to be a really good shot if you want to have a chance on the front line. But the single most important thing we have learned here is actually how to maximise our chances of survival. When we return to our country, we must make sure that a lot more people survive as well.
So in what ways can you provide concrete help to your fellow countrymen and women in Ukraine? What will your tasks look like?
In all likelihood, we will use this new knowledge to counter drone attacks. We want to shoot down as many of them as we can. Our most important task, however, will be to infiltrate as many occupied cities as possible with our sections and to reclaim them from Russian control. Ultimately, just a few designated marksmen will be enough to infiltrate and seize a city because each of them will be covering a specific section.
Learning experiences often work both ways. What have your German, Slovenian and Lithuanian comrades learned from you?
Well, obviously, we are the ones who do most of the learning here. All of our instructors are extremely committed and professional. They know exactly what we will need on the front line – and that is what they teach us. At the same time, they are interested in learning how we operate on the battlefield. We tell them a lot about our tactics, so there is a constant exchange of information.
How long have you been a soldier and what did you do before?
I have been in the Ukrainian army for four and a half years, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Before joining the military, I used to be an electrician. Then I decided to become a soldier. Obviously, this has been very tough for my family. But there is no other way because we must defend our country. Now, during our training here in Germany, I have the opportunity to get all the necessary front-line knowledge. I know that in this war, my life may depend on it, and I know this knowledge will help me survive.
For four years now, your country has remained defiant in the face of Russian attacks. What makes the Ukrainians so strong?
I think it is our will to win. It’s not like we want this, but we must be strong and stop the Russian military. Otherwise, Russia will just keep going. They will try to take more and more, attacking region after region – also beyond the borders of Ukraine.
In war, you are constantly faced with danger. What is it that keeps you going under such circumstances?
We have to fight because we have to survive, because we want to continue to exist as Ukraine. And that is also why we must take lives. I wish I did not have to say such a thing, but it is quite simply necessary. So many people die, and so many are wounded. We cannot allow this to continue. Because of this training, our fellow soldiers have a better chance of surviving on the battlefield.
Do you have a personal message that you would like to share with our readers?
I wish for peace for all people, absolutely everyone. Also, I would like to express my gratitude for all the support that our country has received. Germany and many other nations have given us so much: weapons, training and also medical supplies for the wounded. We also greatly appreciate the fact that so many people have given us refuge. My biggest wish, however, is that you may never have to endure what we have been experiencing every day for the past four years. I wish that war will never come to your country.